Richie Murphy's Side Aim to End 20-Year Trophy Drought as Exeter Seal Last-Gasp Quarter-Final Win Over Benetton
Ulster Rugby will face Exeter Chiefs in the Investec Challenge Cup semi-final on Saturday 2 May at Affidea Stadium, after Exeter secured a dramatic 44-41 victory over Benetton in Treviso on Sunday — with Henry Slade kicking a 79th-minute penalty to seal their place in the last four.
Exeter's Quarter-Final Drama
Exeter Chiefs' passage to the semi-finals came in the most dramatic fashion, with Henry Slade's 79th-minute penalty separating the sides in a breathless encounter in Treviso that produced 10 tries. The 44-41 scoreline set up a mouth-watering all-British Isles semi-final against Ulster, who had already booked their place in the last four with a dominant 41-24 victory over La Rochelle at Affidea Stadium on 10 April.
Ulster's Form
Ulster's victory over La Rochelle — a two-time Champions Cup winner — was a statement performance, with Zac Ward scoring two tries and scrum-half Nathan Doak contributing nine points to be named Player of the Match. Head coach Richie Murphy's side are currently sitting third in the United Rugby Championship with three games remaining, and the feel-good factor within the squad is high as they target silverware on two fronts.
The Challenge Cup semi-final represents Ulster's best chance of ending a 20-year trophy drought — their last piece of silverware was the Celtic League in 2006. The home tie at Affidea Stadium will give them a significant advantage, with their passionate support expected to create a formidable atmosphere.
Semi-Final Details
The Ulster vs Exeter Chiefs semi-final is scheduled for Saturday 2 May 2026, with a kick-off time of 5:30pm BST at Affidea Stadium. The other Challenge Cup semi-final will see Montpellier face Dragons on Sunday 3 May. Leinster, meanwhile, will face Toulon in the Champions Cup semi-final on 2 May, setting up a potentially historic weekend for Irish rugby.
What's at Stake
For Ulster, the semi-final is an opportunity to deliver a major trophy to a fanbase that has waited two decades for silverware. For Exeter, it is a chance to add to their impressive European record. The match promises to be one of the highlights of the European rugby calendar. Full BBC Sport report.
